An accused rapist eluded police custody this morning in Soledad after leading the California Highway Patrol on a chase from King City, said Monterey County sheriff's Cmdr. John Thornburg.

Guy Dietz, 43, is accused of impersonating a peace officer in order to commit a crime, Thornburg said. The charges come from Torrance police who were immediately contacted and en route this morning to Soledad, Thornburg said.

Megan's Law shows Dietz was previously convicted in 1998 of rape by force or fear. He was released in 2003, according to Megan's Law, per realignment rules to community supervision, Thornburg said.

Previous to his incarceration, Dietz was serving a life sentence, Thornburg said. Dietz was assessed as moderate to low risk on his likelihood to re-offend, according to Megan's Law.

CHP officers initially stopped two vehicles, including Dietz's BMW, at 4:52 a.m. near King City, Thornburg said. Dietz's wife drove the second vehicle.

Apparently the couple was headed to Oregon, Thornburg said.

When the CHP called for backup from the Monterey County Sheriff's Office, Dietz bolted, Thornburg said. The 43-year-old suspect then led officers on a chase to Soledad where he bailed from his vehicle at the CVS parking lot near De La Rosa Sr Street.

Both Dietz's car and his wife were detained, he said. The search for Dietz was ongoing for several hours today and included "nearly every county law enforcement agency," he said. Two K9s are also on scene.

Dietz is described as 6-feet and 200 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes. Megan's Law notes he has a scar, mark or tattoo on his arm or back.